Gripen F is designed to meet the training and operational requirements of modern air forces. Saab said the aircraft combines conversion training and combat capability on the same platform.
Brazil is the launch customer for the two-seat variant and played an active role in its co-development. Saab said this enabled direct industrial participation and long-term cooperation between Sweden, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force.
Through an extensive transfer-of-technology programme, Brazil has trained hundreds of engineers and technicians. The programme has also strengthened advanced design and development expertise within Brazil’s national industrial base.
“The rollout of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years. Developing this aircraft together demonstrates the maturity of this collaboration. It represents not only a highly capable fighter for the Brazilian Air Force, but also the tangible outcome of sustained joint development and shared ambition,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics.
Saab said Gripen F delivers world-class performance, sensors and a revolutionary architecture, mirroring the Gripen E. The aircraft has a fully independent second cockpit, allowing instructor-guided missions in a fully operational fighter.
According to the company, this gives trainee pilots realistic live mission conditions. It can also accelerate pilot conversion and preparatory training compared with conventional timelines.
Saab said the two-seat configuration can improve operational effectiveness in high-threat environments. The company said this is achieved through shared workload and improved mission command.
Before final delivery to the Brazilian Air Force, the aircraft will be transferred to Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden. It will then begin a dedicated flight test campaign.
The 2014 contract with the Brazilian government covers the development and production of 36 fighter aircraft. These include 28 Gripen E aircraft and eight Gripen F aircraft.
Deliveries to Brazil began in 2020. Saab said 11 aircraft have been handed over to date.
Saab has also received Gripen F orders from Thailand and Colombia. The company said the aircraft is intended to support both training and operational performance.
